This course introduces students to the history of the American West through a variety of primary and secondary sources. The sources include paintings, photographs, government documents, diaries, maps and more from the 15th century through the 20th century depicting important events and themes in the exploration, settlement, and development of the Western United States. Key topics that will be explored include Native American cultures, westward expansion, the Gold Rush, cattle drives, oil boomtowns, irrigation projects, and World War II western home front experiences.